You'll Hear It "A Love Supreme" — John Coltrane
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Sep 22, 2025 Dive into the depths of John Coltrane's A Love Supreme, hailed by some as the greatest album of the 20th century. The hosts explore its unique one-chord structures, transformative melodies, and the breathtaking improvisational talents of the quartet. Discover the spiritual essence of tracks like 'Acknowledgement' and 'Psalm,' and hear how Coltrane's work resonates culturally. The thrilling debate over its place in the jazz canon compared to Kind of Blue offers fresh perspectives on this musical masterpiece.
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Album As A Single Statement
- A Love Supreme rewards full-album listening with a clear side-one/break/side-two architecture designed as a single statement.
- The record's structure makes the listening break an integral part of the emotional journey.
Daily Ritual Listening Habit
- Adam listened to A Love Supreme every morning for almost a year, smoking Marlboro Reds and drinking coffee while playing both sides straight through.
- He remembers it as a daily ritual that shaped his musical life in his 20s.
Exploration Beyond Modal Harmony
- The quartet's playing is not just modal; it's exploratory rhythmic and melodic invention built from minimal harmonic material.
- They create new textures and form in real time rather than relying on dense chord changes.
